by The forklift truck is one of the most important tools in a warehouse. Without this machine, businesses wouldn’t be able to operate.
Some forklift trucks have special attachments to help with specific tasks. Pallet trucks make light work of moving heavy loads around warehouses, speeding up the process and making it far more efficient. They are also ideal for smaller loads and narrow aisles where larger material handling equipment is not feasible.
An operator controls the pallet truck via a handle drawbar, which operates a hydraulic pump to lift and lower the forks. The handle also allows the operator to steer the pallet truck in a desired direction using two large wheels located below the handlebar. These wheels can be made from rubber, polyurethane or iron/steel and are able to swivel in order to maneuver the truck easily.
According to Coherent Market Insights, the global forklift truck market size was valued at US$ 40.24 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% from 2023 to 2030.
To keep the pallet truck in peak condition, it is important that the wheels are cleaned and lubricated on a regular basis. The use of a grease that contains anti-wear additives can help to prolong the life of the wheels. Also, it is essential that the wheelbases and axles are kept clean of dirt and debris to avoid damage caused by repeated contact.
With its slimmer body, reach trucks are nimbler vehicles than forklifts and perform well in narrow aisles. They have two stabilizing outer legs to distribute load weight, and the wheels are located under the operator. These trucks can lift and maneuver loads higher than other forklifts can, making them suitable for block stacking or loading trucks with bulky loads in large warehouse centers.
Linde’s range of reach truck options includes many features to optimize visibility. Their R14 – R17 X product line reach Forklift Truck has a mast concept to double the driver’s field of view and offers various safety systems such as the deadman pedal and rack protection sensor to prevent damage to equipment or injury to the operator.
Reach trucks have a smaller turn radius than forklifts, so they can maneuver more easily in tight spaces and avoid damaging their low undercarriage. They also don’t drive over uneven surfaces that could damage their sensitive undercarriage, so they aren’t suitable for warehousing applications with dock plates or levelers.
Stacker trucks are ideal for stacking and transporting loads over short distances. Their compact chassis, built around Li-ion modular batteries, offers a safe and maneuverable driving experience, minimizing the amount of energy used.
Designed for narrow aisles, these highly maneuverable stackers can handle double EURO pallets to improve productivity. With their unique articulating forks, they can reach into racks to set and pick loads at elevated heights, eliminating the need to travel traffic aisles between loads.
Their regenerative braking system reduces driver effort and fatigue, while a digital multi-function display shows the current truck status. Operators also benefit from an easy-to-reach service area, where all relevant components are located behind the motor cover – cutting servicing time to a minimum.
Unlike conventional forklifts that lift and transport long loads crosswise, side loaders carry long products lengthways. This minimizes the chance of damaging the products and storage systems. They also can drive through narrower doorways, saving warehouse space.
Side loaders are used for a variety of applications, including transporting goods that are too long to palletize, such as pipes and profiles or windmill arms and moldings. They are a must for logistics centers that store and distribute orders in large quantities.
New side loaders offer the ability to maneuver in both forward and reverse and have a four-way steering. Many of these forklifts have a flat bed, making it easier to stabilize the load. Some models feature crab steering, or two wheels that operate independently from one another, allowing them to move sideways into tight storage aisles. They are also available with a diesel, gas or electric motor and can handle 1-ton to 55-ton containers.
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
